Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) traces its roots to the activation of Far East Air Forces (FEAF), on August 3, 1944, at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia commanded by Lt Gen George Kenney. FEAF was subordinate to the U.S. Army Forces Far East and served as the headquarters of Allied Air Forces Southwest Pacific Area. By mid-1945, three numbered air forces—5th, 7th, and 13th—were supporting operations in the Pacific. At that time, the Army Air Forces in the Pacific became part of the largest and most powerful military organization ever fielded by any country in the world.
After World II, FEAF and 5th Air Force remained in Japan, while 7th Air Force operated from Hawaii, and 13th Air Force from the Philippines. In the post-war years, FEAF was designated the theater air force for the Far East Command. All air forces in the Far East and Southwest Pacific were placed under one Air Force commander for the first time.
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Aug. 3, 1944: Far East Air Forces activates in Brisbane, Australia
July 27, 1953: Korean Armistice signed, Panmunjom, Korea
July 1, 1957: Far East Air Forces re-designates as Pacific Air Forces, moved to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii
April 30, 1975: U.S. begins Saigon, Vietnam evacuation, Operation NEWLIFE
June 15, 1991: Mount Pinatubo erupts causing Clark Air Base, Philippines evacuation, Operation FIERY VIGIL
March 11, 2011: Massive earthquake and tsunami strike Japan, Operation TOMODACHI
Sep. 28, 2012: 13th Air Force inactivated, personnel combined with PACAF staff, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
General Kenney Reports; A Personal History of the Pacific War
The Three War of Lt Gen Stratemeyer; His Korean War Diary
The USAF in Korea 1950-1953
To Hanoi and Back; The USAF and North Vietnam, 1966-1973
Air War over South Vietnam, 1968-1975
In Defense of Freedom; PACAF 1947-1997